Lokpal Orders CBI Probe into Alleged Benami Properties of JMM Chief Shibu Soren

The Lokpal has ordered the CBI to investigate alleged benami properties linked to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren within six months.

New Delhi: In a significant development, the Lokpal, India's anti-corruption ombudsman, has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct a probe within six months into alleged benami properties linked to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) chief Shibu Soren. The order came in response to a complaint filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey, who represents Jharkhand's Godda constituency in the Lok Sabha.

CBI Ordered to Complete Investigation Within Six Months

The Lokpal bench, comprising Justice Abhilasha Kumari and non-judicial members Archana Ramasundaram and Mahender Singh, issued the order on Monday, March 4, 2024. The bench directed the CBI to carry out the investigation expeditiously and complete it within six months from the date of the order. The CBI has also been asked to submit monthly progress reports, with the first report due on or before April 30, 2024.

Complaint Alleges Rampant Corruption and Benami Properties

In his complaint filed on August 5, 2020, Dubey alleged that Soren and his family members had indulged in rampant corruption and amassed huge wealth, assets, and properties disproportionate to their known and declared sources of income. Dubey claimed that these properties were acquired in the names of Soren, his family members, friends, associates, and various companies in different districts of Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Dhanbad, and Dumka.

Lokpal Order Highlights Annexure of Properties

The Lokpal order noted that the complaint included an annexure listing 57 properties allegedly linked to Soren and his family. The order also acknowledged that additional properties may have been acquired and that details of these properties could be ascertained through investigation.

Preliminary Inquiry and Legal Scrutiny

The Lokpal order referred to the preliminary inquiry conducted by the CBI and the submission of three preliminary inquiry reports. The order also mentioned the arguments presented by senior advocate Arunabh Chowdhury, advocate Vaibhav Tomar, and advocate Pragya Baghel, who appeared before the Lokpal on behalf of the complainant.

Focus on Properties Not Barred by Limitation Period

The Lokpal bench observed that out of the 57 properties listed in the complaint, only two properties were not barred by the seven-year limitation period prescribed under Section 53 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013. The bench decided to focus on these two properties and investigate the role of Soren in their acquisition in the name of JMM.

Properties Beyond Limitation Period to be Pursued with Competent Authority

The Lokpal order clarified that the remaining 80-odd properties acquired by Soren and his family members prior to seven years from the date of the complaint would not be covered by this order due to the limitation imposed under Section 53 of the Lokpal Act. However, the complainant was advised to pursue his complaint with the competent authority, as these properties fall within the purview of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Lokpal's order directing the CBI to investigate alleged benami properties linked to Shibu Soren is a significant development in the fight against corruption. The investigation is expected to shed light on the allegations of corruption and benami transactions involving Soren and his family members. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by the public and will have implications for the political landscape of Jharkhand.